There had been something reserved and imperious in the master's manner, yet he thought he should not dislike him on the whole.

With the countenances of his future schoolfellows he was not altogether pleased, but there were one or two which thoroughly attracted him.

One boy, whose side face was turned towards him as he sat on the bench in front, took his fancy particularly, so, tired of doing nothing, he plucked up courage, and leaning forward whispered, "Do lend me your Cesar for a few minutes." The boy at once handed it to him with a pleasant smile, and as the lesson was marked, Eric had time to hurry over a few sentences, when Mr.
Gordon's sonorous voice exclaimed, "Fourth form, come up!" Some twenty of the boys went up, and stood in a large semicircle round the desk.

Eric of course was placed last, and the lesson commenced.
"Russell, begin," said the master; and immediately the boy who had handed Eric his Caesar, began reading a few sentences, and construed them very creditably, only losing a place or two.

He had a frank open face, bright intelligent fearless eyes, and a very taking voice and manner.